Shots fired at Melvin Sr. outside Spryfield pizzeria

Halifax police say they hope a shooting outside a pizza shop in Spryfield Monday afternoon doesn't signal the resumption of a drug war in the area.

Jimmy Melvin Sr. was injured when he jumped to avoid gunfire outside Jessy's Pizza on Herring Cove Road.

Const. Jeff Carr, spokesman for Halifax Regional Police, said officers found a 48-year-old man who believed he had been shot in the leg.

"He was shot at, though," said Carr. "He suffered injuries as a result."

Paul Maynard, spokesman for Emergency Health Services, said the victim, who was taken to the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, didn't suffer from gunshot or stab wounds.

The police investigation began after someone at the pizzeria called to report gunfire outside the shop.

Melvin, 48, was paroled two years ago after serving nearly half of a 22-year sentence for drug trafficking and assaulting a peace officer.

Son released on bail

His son, Jimmy Melvin Jr., arrived at the pizzeria as the investigation continued behind yellow police tape. After walking out of the shop, he gestured to reporters and said: "There is no rats in the Melvin family."

He then spat on the ground, hopped in a car and yelled: "Death before dishonour."

Melvin Jr. was releasedon baillast Friday after Crown witnesses recanted their story. He had been awaiting trial on more than a dozen charges related to a home invasion in Spryfield.He still faces breaking and entering charges related to a different case.

The family has been linked to a spate of drug-related violence, including firebombings and shootings.

"There was a series of violent incidents related to the drug trade in 2006 and 2007, and we have done a lot to suppress those. So we are doing everything possible to make sure there isn't a repeat of a string of violent incidents," said Carr.

Police were looking for a dark Jeep Cherokee in connection with the shooting Monday afternoon. A vehicle matching the description was found on fire several hours after the shooting.

Jessy's Pizza was the site of another shooting two years ago.